The RSPCA hopes to trace the owner of a shockingly emaciated dog dumped on them by two unknown men.

Seven-year-old Truffle could barely stand when she was brought into the charity’s Ashford Garden Cattery in Station Road last Sunday.

The very underweight dachshund was extremely thin and suffering from fur loss.

After undergoing vet treatment she was transferred to RSPCA-approved emergency boarding accommodation to continue her recovery, while the charity attempts to trace her owner.

RSPCA officer Poppy Turk said: “Poor Truffle was in a very bad way and was struggling to stand when she was left at the cattery.

“The two men who left her refused to give the branch staff any information about themselves or the dog.

“Thankfully Truffle is making great progress since coming into our care.

“She is doing really well and has put on weight.

“She is microchipped and we are continuing our investigations.

“We would urge anyone with any information about her to ring our appeals line number on 0300 124 8018 and refer to incident number 01450567.”

In January, the RSPCA dealt with 1,972 incidents of animals reported abandoned compared to 1,471 incidents in the first month of 2024 – a rise of more than 34%.